India-Bangladesh trade will be suspended at multiple border points, including Agartala-Akhaura and Petrapole-Benapole ICPs, during Eid-al-Adha. Trade operations will halt for several days starting June 5, respecting Bangladeshi directives, while immigration remains open. Key northeastern trading points also affected temporarily.
Export and import activities between India and Bangladesh are set to remain suspended for several days in light of the upcoming Eid-al-Adha celebrations in Bangladesh, according to official sources. This temporary suspension impacts multiple Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) and trading points across the shared international border and reflects a longstanding practice of respecting national holidays and religious festivals observed in the neighboring country.
An official from the Agartala-Akhaura ICP stated that all trade through this significant checkpoint will be halted starting Friday and will resume on June 9. The Agartala-Akhaura route, operational since 2013, is located within Tripura’s capital city area under the Agartala Municipal Corporation and serves as one of the most critical gateways for bilateral trade.
Besides Agartala-Akhaura, other ICPs in Tripura such as Srimantapur, Belonia, Khowai, Kailashahar, and Dharmanagar will also suspend trade, though the reopening dates may vary according to arrangements made by local traders.
In West Bengal, the Petrapole-Benapole ICP—India and Bangladesh’s busiest land port—will suspend its export-import operations for ten days, from June 5 to June 14, following the directives of the Bangladesh government. However, immigration services will remain functional, allowing people-to-people movement during this period.
Similar suspensions are expected at other vital trading points including Meghalaya’s Dawki-Tamabil and Assam’s Sutarkandi-Sheola, starting from Saturday, when the Eid festivities begin in Bangladesh. These closures are part of mutual coordination between the two countries during religious events to ensure smooth and respectful bilateral relations.
India and Bangladesh share a deep economic relationship, reinforced by multiple Integrated Check Posts designed not just for trade but also for improving connectivity and cooperation. The Agartala-Akhaura ICP is considered the second-largest trading post along the India-Bangladesh border after Petrapole-Benapole, both in volume and value of goods exchanged.
To foster cross-border economic activity, the Indian government has strategically developed multi-purpose ICPs at:
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Agartala-Akhaura (Tripura)
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Srimantapur (Tripura)
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Petrapole-Benapole (West Bengal)
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Dawki-Tamabil (Meghalaya)
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Sutarkandi-Sheola (Assam)
These checkpoints serve as critical nodes for the exchange of goods and services, aiding economic growth in the northeastern states and promoting better India-Bangladesh relations.
It is noteworthy that despite political unrest and violence in Bangladesh over the past year, trade has continued uninterrupted through these key border points. Four Indian northeastern states—Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Mizoram (318 km), and Assam (263 km)—collectively share a 1,880-kilometer-long international border with Bangladesh, while West Bengal alone shares a 2,216-kilometer stretch, making border trade a major component of local economies.
The bilateral trade through these ICPs is diverse and vital for both economies. Bangladesh exports to India’s northeastern states include:
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Fish and seafood
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Cement and construction materials
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Food items and soft drinks
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Steel sheets and PVC pipes
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Readymade garments and melamine products
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Cotton waste
On the other hand, India exports the following to Bangladesh through the northeastern corridor:
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Broken stone and construction materials
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Maize, dry chillies, and fresh ginger
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Vegetable seeds and various spices
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Agarbatti (incense sticks)
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Wood apple and forest produce
These goods play a vital role in supporting small-scale industries and farmers on both sides of the border, particularly in the economically sensitive northeastern region of India.
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The temporary suspension of trade is a routine measure that respects cultural and religious observances in Bangladesh. It underscores the broader framework of mutual understanding and cooperation that defines India-Bangladesh trade relations. While trade activities will pause for a short period, the infrastructure, commitment, and connectivity built around these Integrated Check Posts will continue to strengthen economic ties in the long term.
As India seeks to expand its “Act East” policy and improve regional connectivity, checkpoints like Agartala-Akhaura and Petrapole-Benapole will play increasingly crucial roles in connecting India not only with Bangladesh but with Southeast Asia at large.
